Cheika wants Rugby Championship title

The Wallabies coach Michael Cheika says a part of their plan for the World Cup is to win this year's Rugby Championship.

Matt Giteau playing for the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks 2010. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Cheika has included Drew Mitchell and Matt Giteau in his 40-man training squad... the Toulon pair have not played for the Wallabies for more than three years but are back in the fold after a change in selection policy.

The Australian Rugby Union now allow overseas-based players with more than 60 caps to be selected for Tests.

Sides play each other just once in this year's Rugby Championship and Cheika says they will be key in getting their edge ahead of the World Cup.

"There's no way we're looking at these matches as preparation games."

"Also for the fact that we've got limited tests in Australia this year only the two, and we want to put on the best show possible for the people here in Brisbane for the test against South Africa and the people of Sydney, for the test against the All Blacks."

Cheika has not ruled out a return for 111-times capped flanker George Smith, despite not naming him in his squad.

Australia face South Africa in their opening Rugby Championship game in Brisbane on July 18th before travelling to Argentina a week later.

Cheika's side face New Zealand home and away and travel to the United States for a Test match on September 5th.

They open their World Cup campaign against Fiji in Cardiff on September 23rd.